After watching Douglas Whyte slip away lately, Zac Purton was able to pull a pair back on the Durban Demon yesterday - but more importantly hopes to have built another bridge in his quest to topple him.
Purton rarely rides for trainer Peter Ho Leung, but yesterday's win on Todos Con Suerte had echoes of the Australian rider's connection with Dennis Yip Chor-hong two years ago. It was only his 26th mount for the yard in six years and the fifth winner, his most recent in the International Jockeys Championship last year when rides were decided by ballot.
Yip and Purton's working relationship had been similarly sparse until Purton pursued the ride on a lower-grade runner, then made no mistake when he got on the horse. He and Yip blossomed into a serious combination last season, paving the way for Purton's serious tilt at the championship.
"I'd been chasing the ride, asking Peter if I could ride Todos Con Suerte last season. I liked the horse, but couldn't get on him," Purton said after steering the Cape Cross gelding home. "When he was beaten at Happy Valley first-up this season, I guess they were disappointed and I got a chance. Hopefully, I'll get a few more there in the future."
Todos Con Suerte had been caught wide there before weakening out quickly but in hindsight Purton wasn't surprised.
"I galloped him a few mornings ago and he had a big blow and looking back, he couldn't have been fully fit and I'm not surprised he punctured so badly at the Valley after being ridden upside down and having a tough run," Purton said.
"He was sure to improve and I'm thinking he might improve more. He's been missing the start, getting things wrong and he isn't quite there yet. The race broke well for him today and he did the job but there's more to come and I'm sure Peter's only just working him out still after four runs."
Purton's first winner, Keen Tactics for Manfred Man Ka-leung, probably falls into a different category - two years and 16 starts down the track he broke his maiden after an inch-perfect ride from gate one.
"He has promised a bit at times and not delivered but it couldn't have gone better for him today," the jockey said. "Right gate, run to suit horses near the speed and he got in by a neck."